San Diegans call on SANDAG to prioritize climate solutions and transportation equity in hiring Director

Residents concerned about the agency’s lack of transparency and
accountability turn out to public meetings and submit surveys

Last SANDAG public participation meeting is tonight - Tuesday, January 30

San Diego, CA – SanDiego350 members are calling on SANDAG to ensure that their hiring process will identify a new Executive Director who is committed to – and experienced in the implementation of – climate solutions and transportation equity. They are also asking SANDAG to make greater efforts towards transparency and accountability in the hiring process.

SanDiego350 members from across the county have completed SANDAG’s online survey and have turned out to all four of the regional meetings to date (Escondido, Chula Vista, Encinitas and Santee). Members have stated it is important that participants’ comments (which are recorded by a designated notetaker) and the online survey submissions are made public in full to ensure accountability in the hiring process.

“It is essential that the new Executive Director is committed to public transit and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lisa Wellens, co-chair of SanDiego350’s Public Policy Team and a resident of Vista. “On-road transportation accounts for nearly half of San Diego County’s emissions, and we simply can’t achieve San Diego's or California’s climate targets without big changes in transportation.”

Ivanna Patton, a SanDiego350 volunteer from Carmel Valley who attended the Encinitas meeting, said “It’s time for SANDAG to get serious about rebuilding public trust following the Measure A scandal. They need to share all input publicly and with the hiring committee and work to ensure real public participation in the hiring process.”

David Harris, a member of SanDiego350’s Steering Committee who lives in La Mesa and attended the Santee meeting, said “I hope the hiring consultant heard our message loud and clear. The next leader of SANDAG must be responsive to all of our communities and be willing to make the investment in transit, biking and pedestrian infrastructure in communities that have been most impacted by both air pollution as well as the lack of access to transit that will take people where they need to go – to jobs, schools, and shopping.”

SanDiego350 members from Central San Diego will be on hand tonight at the last of the five meetings and will be available to speak to the press.

WHAT: San Diegans turn out to express concerns at the last of five regional SANDAG meetings seeking public input on Executive Director hiring. WHEN:Tonight – Tuesday, January 30th at 6 pm.WHERE:Jacobs Center, Community Room, 404 Euclid Avenue, San Diego 92114.

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SanDiego350 is an inclusive volunteer organization building a movement to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice. We strive to create a future that supports a livable planet and just society through education and outreach, public policy advocacy, and mobilizing people to take action. We are affiliated with350.org, the international climate organization, whose work inspires us.